Although founded earlier, by 1860, Shreve & Company in San Francisco, California, was known as the best silversmith and goldsmith in the United States. They sold to Presidents, entrepreneurs, and prestigious families. Shreve & Company developed an excellent reputation and their jewelry can be found in museums and personal private collections today. As an example, the city of San Francisco gifted Teddy Roosevelt with a 10 inch solid gold Teddy Bear created by Shreve & Company.
By 1906, the jewelry firm moved to the corner of Post and Grant. Within a month, the 1906 earthquake destroyed the city. The Shreve & Company building was left standing alone. It had been built with “reinforced concrete construction”. As you can imagine, the interior of the building collapsed and was rebuilt. Still operational today in both San Francisco and Palo Alto, California, they are known for their timepieces, fashion jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and bridal jewelry, many with name brands.
“Pure Art Deco” are the words from our Graduate Gemologist, Graydon Gesner, when describing this fabulous Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Engagement or Fashion ring. ” I love the calibrated rubies, the large European cut diamond and the geometric design”, he says.
This captivating Art Deco ring, crafted in platinum, features a center 1.25 carat apx. Old European cut diamond with SI1 clarity and J color. It is surrounded, in a diamond shape, with apx. 1.00 carat apx. total weight of Antique Square Cut Natural Red Rubies. It is further decorated with 1.50 carat apx. total weight of Single and European Cut diamonds. In addition, the gallery is pierced & milgrained and is an impressive and sparkling example of the Roaring 20’s!
The Arts and Crafts Movement flourished between the years of 1860 – 1920. It began in Britain, c. 1860, where the artists where disillusioned with the impersonal and automated ways that the Industrial Revolution represented. It moved to the United States in the 1890’s through 1920’s where Americans were more appreciative of the use of machinery. Known for the high quality materials, classic craftsmanship, simple forms and often romantic ideas, this movement was represented in jewelry, architecture, painting and sculpture.
Here is a lovely presentation of the Arts & Crafts Movement. This 12 millimeter greenish blue cabochon turquoise brooch or watch pin is accented with .20 carats apx. total weight of lab created sapphires, consistent with the time period, and three-two millimeter seed pearls. It is crafted in a feminine flowing design of 14 karat yellow gold. This hard to find Arts & Crafts turquoise brooch or watch pin can be found in our Tampa store with a retail price of $2,995.
Graydon Gesner, our Graduate Gemologist, selected this Art Deco diamond engagement ring as his jewelry pick of the month. “I love the bold look, lines and gallery of this ring which represents the epitome of the Art Deco era.”
This Art Deco diamond Antique engagement ring, crafted in Platinum, features a 1.12ct. Apx. European Cut diamond with SI1 clarity and L color. The center diamond is accented with .50ct. total weight of baguette and single cut diamonds. The gallery is delicately pierced and adds the finishing touch to this elegantly refined diamond Antique engagement ring. It is romantic at heart and is sure to become an inspiration and beautiful family heirloom!
The Jabel Ring Manufacturing Company was founded in Newark, New Jersey in 1916 by JJ Abelson. It started as a one man operation and he was the President until his death on December 26, 1977. Mr. Abelson was trained by Jones & Woodland, also known as Krementz, as a setter. The company expanded to Irving, New Jersey under the management of his daughter, June Abelson Herman and her son, Skip Herman. They are still in operation today know for their pendants, earrings, bridal jewelry, rings and bracelets.
The attached photo is a fabulous example of the craftsmanship of Jabel with this Jabel Vintage Ring which features a bypass design with two blemish free pearls measuring 8.5-8.6mm, as well as .50 carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds with VS1-VS2 clarity and F-G color. It is a blazingly beautiful and striking fashion ring!
Our Graduate Gemologist, Graydon Gesner, selected this absolutely gorgeous Art Nouveau Pin of Cleopatra as his jewelry pick of the month. He says, ” I love the fine workmanship of the enameling on her face which is so delicately and crisply finished.”
Pictured here is the Art Nouveau Pin of Cleopatra’s enameled face with her headpiece which features apx. .10ct. T.W. of single cut diamonds with VS-SI clarity and F color, as well as .07ct. T.W. of green demantoid garnets. There is an asp around her neck with a single cut diamond on its head. This 14k pin was made by the famous company Shreve & Co. in San Francisco. With the subtle attention to detail, this pin is a perfect example of the Art Nouveau era.
Henry Birks opened his first jewelry store in Montreal, Canada in 1879. His start up fund was $3,000. He went into partnership with his three sons, William, John and Gerald and changed his store name to Birks & Sons. He aggressively continued to add locations in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as purchasing other local jewelry stores. He diversified into flatware and cut crystal later in his career. In November 2005, Henry Birks & Sons merged with Mayors Jewelry Group and continued their expansion into the United States and the UK. Birks & Sons is known as the Tiffany of Canada and is an older firm known for its very fine jewelry.
The Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle) wore Birks, 18 karat yellow gold opal, earrings at the announcement of her engagement to Prince Harry and considers Birks as one of her favorite jewelry brands. She has added $20,000 worth of Birks jewelry items to her own personal collection of jewelry.
The attached photo is an example of a classic Birks Art Deco diamond solitaire engagement ring. It features a .33ct. Apx. European Cut diamond with SI1 clarity and G-H color. An added plus is that the head is crafted in 18 karat white gold while the shank is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The two tone display of color gives it a striking look. This diamond Antique engagement ring is timeless in its design!
Our Graduate Gemologist, Graydon Gesner, had no problem selecting his Jewelry Pick of the Month. He stated “I love the design of the ring and quality of the diamond, the accenting sapphires and meticulous filigree.”
This striking Platinum Art Deco diamond Antique engagement ring features a 1.30ct. Apx. European Cut diamond with VS2 clarity and H color. The center diamond is accented with .50ct. Apx. T.W. of synthetic (consistent with the time period) blue french baguette cut sapphires and .12ct. Apx. T.W. of single cut diamonds with VS2-SI1 clarity and G-H color, also superb quality. The overall ring has a unique design and is beautifully constructed with crisply detailed filigree. This is the diamond and sapphire Antique engagement ring to consider when only the best will do!
It was an easy decision for our Graduate Gemologist, Graydon Gesner, to select his favorite jewelry pick of the month. It is this lovely Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring which is crafted in platinum. He says, ” What makes it special to me is the brilliance of the diamond and the calibrated triangular and […]
Edward Petri Jewelers and manufacturers was founded by Edward Petri in 1922. His firm created and manufactured jewelry in the European fashion using platinum, the king of metals, with diamonds and fine gemstones. He was considered to be one of the finest jewelers of his time. The third owner is currently Charles (Charlie) F. Walker […]
